New Zealand heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker is quickly climbing the ranks in the world of boxing.
The 23-year-old is stepping up to the challenge fighting German heavyweight champion, Yakup Saklam, aka The Scorpion. The 6’4 Turkish-born boxer arrives in Aotearoa bringing with him a devastating record of 34 wins in 37 fights with 31 by KO.
Parker’s record remains clean as he enters the ring with 13 wins and 11 by knockout. The Scorpion is statistically Parker's toughest opponent ever faced, ahead of Parker's 14th professional fight.
In comparison, World Heavyweight Champion, Wladimir Klitschko’s 14th pro fight was against an opponent with 18 previous losses.
Promoter Dean Lonergan remains convinced Parker will earn a world title shot soon, as long as he can keep winning decisively and with style. Parker is currently ranked 8th by the World Boxing Organisation and 10th by the World Boxing Association.
Another good win by Parker will improve those rankings. He’s also putting his regional WBA, PABA and WBO Oriental titles on the line.
This fight will also be a great opportunity for Parker to display new boxing techniques he's developed whilst training under Klitschko’s camp last month.
The Arena Manawatū event on June 13 is quickly selling out, you can follow more of Parker's preparation updates here.